The goal of politicians is to try and pursuade you that their (or their party’s) thinking is the right line to follow.
Sometimes that means they tell the truth as it is. Sometimes it means they lie or use poor arguments (usually called “fallacies”).
So in the Senedd Service Index, every time a Member of the Senedd uses one of those poor arguments in a debate they lose 2 points.
Using a poorly constructed argument every now and again isn’t a good or bad thing in itself. An MS regularly making poorly argued points is a sign that they might be delivering poor value and possibly holding the Senedd or their party back. That’s regardless of how many times they’ve been re-elected, how well educated they are, or what real world experience they have.
I’ve picked out 12 of the most commonly used poor arguments (“Dirty Dozen”) to keep a tabs on at Senedd Home. Each time one of these happens, it’ll be recorded at Senedd VAR.
Strawman
What is it? – When someone deliberately changes, exaggerates or oversimplifies an opposing argument to make it easier to attack (“fighting a strawman”).
Why is it bad? – Shifts the goalposts. Prevents real debate.
Circular Logic (“Begging the Question”)
What is it? – An argument or question that repeats or supports a preferred answer or outcome, or says the same thing using different words (tautology).
Why is it bad? – It supports itself without evidence by hiding itself in a question, concern or assumption.
Slippery Slope
What is it? – Arguing that taking a action now will lead to a chain of bad (or good) outcomes in the future.
Why is it bad? – Based on speculation, fear, seeding doubt and/or wishful thinking.
Appeal to Authority
What is it? – Using expert or celebrity opinion to support an argument without showing why that opinion is valid.
Why is it bad? – Name-dropping; isn’t evidence in itself (i.e. a non-medical doctor’s medical opinion).
Appeal to Emotion
What is it? – Using fear, pity, anger or any other strong feelings to support an argument.
Why is it bad? – Amateur dramatics. Plays to biases as feelings aren’t facts, even with good intentions behind it.
Appeal to Popularity (argumentum ad populum)
What is it? – An argument based on popular support or disapproval (i.e. polling data).
Why is it bad? – The number of people who believe something is irrelevant to how good or bad something is.
Appeal to Tradition
What is it? – An argument that something is good because it’s always been done a certain way or has lasted a long time.
Why is it bad? – It doesn’t lead to improved decisions or better policies because it doesn’t take into account changing needs and circumstances.
Flag-Waving (Appeal to Nationalism)
What is it? – Using patriotism to support or defend an argument.
Why is it bad? – Distracts from an issue by painting criticism as unpatriotic (or support as patriotic).
False Dilemma
What is it? – Only presenting two options (usually at the extremes) when there are more options available.
Why is it bad? – Leads to rushed or poor decisions because of a lack of information or scrutiny.
Personal attack (ad hominem)
What is it? – Attacking, insulting or questioning the character of another MS or party without addressing their argument.
Why is it bad? – Childish, impolite, shuts down debate on the issue being discussed.
Whataboutery (tu quoque)
What is it? – Responding to an accusation with an accusation, implying hypocrisy.
Why is it bad? – An attempt to distract from an issue, preventing proper accountability.
Shooting the Messenger
What is it? – Attacking negative coverage of an issue instead of addressing the issue which led to that coverage. This includes attacks on journalists or media outlets without good reason.
Why is it bad? – Can’t take criticism; could be considered an attack on freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
